Brazil's Former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Coup Attempt
In a landmark ruling, Brazil's Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a military coup and seeking to annihilate the country's democracy. The sentence, handed down on Thursday by Justices Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha and Cristiano Zanin, marks a significant blow to Bolsonaro's efforts to maintain power and influence in Brazilian politics.
According to The Guardian, four out of five judges involved in the trial found Bolsonaro guilty of seeking to forcibly cling to power after losing the 2022 election. The former president, who was elected in 2018, had been accused of attempting to undermine democracy and install a military government. The ruling also bars him from public office until 2033.
The conviction has sparked international reactions, with some leaders expressing skepticism about the verdict. Former US President Donald Trump tweeted that the sentence was "a total disaster for Brazil," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it "a sad day for democracy." However, many experts and politicians have welcomed the ruling as a crucial step towards strengthening democratic institutions in Brazil.
"Bolsonaro's actions were a clear threat to democracy, and this sentence sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated," said Maria do Carmo, a leading Brazilian human rights activist. "This is a victory for the rule of law and a reminder that those who seek to undermine democracy will face consequences."
The trial revealed that Bolsonaro had been secretly meeting with military leaders and plotting a coup in the months following his election loss. According to The Guardian, the former president had also been using social media to spread false information about the electoral process and incite violence against his opponents.
The sentence is seen as a significant blow to Bolsonaro's legacy and a major setback for his supporters, who have long accused him of being a champion of democracy. However, many Brazilians are breathing a sigh of relief that justice has been served, and that those responsible for undermining the country's democratic institutions will face accountability.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to have far-reaching implications for Brazilian politics. The ruling could pave the way for further investigations into Bolsonaro's activities during his presidency and potentially lead to more convictions.
In a statement, Brazil's Supreme Court said that the sentence was "a necessary measure to preserve democracy" and that it would continue to work towards ensuring that those responsible for undermining democratic institutions are held accountable.
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and Multi-source: BBC World.
